NameCensus.

UK surname

Benn

A surname of English origin, derived from the medieval given name Bennet, meaning "blessed."

In the 1881 census there were 1,710 people recorded with the Benn surname, ranking it #2,519 among surnames in the records. By 2016, the modern count was 2,621, ranked #2,543, down from #2,519 in 1881.

The strongest historical links point to Halifax, London parishes and Bradford. In the modern distribution records, the strongest local clusters include Copeland, Rother and Wakefield.

Across the surname records, the highest recorded count for Benn is 2,769 in 2002. Compared with 1881, the name has grown by 53.3%.

1881 census count

1,710

Ranked #2,519

Modern count

2,621

2016, ranked #2,543

Peak year

2002

2,769 bearers

Map years

9

1851 to 2016

Key insights

  • Benn had 1,710 recorded bearers in 1881, making it the #2,519 surname in that year.
  • The latest modern count shown here is 2,621 in 2016, ranked #2,543.
  • Within the historical census years, the highest count was 2,286 in 1911.
  • The contemporary neighbourhood profile most associated with the surname is Rural Amenity.

Benn surname distribution map

The map shows where the Benn surname is concentrated in each census or modern distribution year. Darker areas mean a stronger local concentration.

Distribution map

Benn surname density by area, 1881 census.

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Lower densityMedium densityHigh density

Timeline

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Benn over time

The table below tracks recorded surname counts and rank from the 19th-century census years through the modern adult-register period.

Year Period Count Rank
1851 historical 1,043 #2,689
1861 historical 1,163 #2,426
1881 historical 1,710 #2,519
1891 historical 1,832 #2,507
1901 historical 2,132 #2,529
1911 historical 2,286 #2,218
1997 modern 2,652 #2,403
1998 modern 2,725 #2,430
1999 modern 2,752 #2,426
2000 modern 2,737 #2,425
2001 modern 2,661 #2,437
2002 modern 2,769 #2,405
2003 modern 2,689 #2,417
2004 modern 2,655 #2,440
2005 modern 2,598 #2,457
2006 modern 2,617 #2,449
2007 modern 2,643 #2,447
2008 modern 2,656 #2,452
2009 modern 2,721 #2,455
2010 modern 2,754 #2,479
2011 modern 2,688 #2,498
2012 modern 2,638 #2,504
2013 modern 2,663 #2,524
2014 modern 2,677 #2,529
2015 modern 2,644 #2,535
2016 modern 2,621 #2,543

Geography

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Where Benns are most common

Historical parish links are strongest around Halifax, London parishes, Bradford and Leeds. These are the places where the surname stands out most clearly in the older records.

The modern local-area list points to Copeland, Rother, Wakefield and IZ10. Treat these as concentration signals, not proof that every family line began there.

Some modern areas include a three-digit suffix, such as Leeds 110. The suffix is a small-area code, so it stays in the table while the prose uses the plain place name.

Top historical parishes

Rank Parish Area
1 Halifax Yorkshire, West Riding
2 London parishes London 3
3 Bradford Yorkshire, West Riding
4 London parishes London 2
5 Leeds Yorkshire, West Riding

Top modern areas

Rank Area District
1 Copeland 004 Copeland
2 Copeland 008 Copeland
3 Rother 004 Rother
4 Wakefield 045 Wakefield
5 IZ10 East Lothian

Forenames

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First names often paired with Benn

These lists show first names that appear often with the Benn surname in historical and recent records.

Modern profile

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Neighbourhood profile for Benn

Modern surname records can be compared with neighbourhood classifications. For Benn, this points to the kinds of places where the surname is most concentrated today.

These neighbourhood labels describe areas, not individual people. They are useful because surnames often cluster through family history, migration, housing patterns and local work. A surname can be strongest in one type of neighbourhood even when people with that name live across the country.

The UK classification gives the national picture. The London classification is more specific to the capital, where housing, age profile, tenure and population mix can look quite different from the rest of the UK.

UK neighbourhood type

UK Output Area Classification

Supergroup

Suburbanites and Peri-Urbanities

Group

Rural Amenity

Nationally, the Benn surname is most associated with neighbourhoods classed as Rural Amenity, within Suburbanites and Peri-Urbanities. This does not mean every Benn household fits that profile, but it gives a useful signal about where the modern surname distribution is strongest.

Read profile summary

Group profile

This Group comprises older parents or retirees, with no resident dependent children, and with the lowest residential densities in this Supergroup. Predominantly UK-born, residents typically live in detached houses, although others do live in semi-detached and terraced properties. The level of multiple car ownership is the highest in this Supergroup. Most houses are owner occupied although social renting is also present. Many concentrations occur in high amenity rural locations, such as Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

Wider pattern

Pervasive throughout the UK, members of this Supergroup typically own (or are buying) their detached, semi-detached or terraced homes. They are also typically educated to A Level/Highers or degree level and work in skilled or professional occupations. Typically born in the UK, some families have children, although the median adult age is above 45 and some property has become under-occupied after children have left home. This Supergroup is pervasive not only in suburban locations, but also in neighbourhoods at or beyond the edge of cities that adjoin rural parts of the country.

London neighbourhood type

London Output Area Classification

Supergroup

The Greater London Mix

Group

Skilled Trades and Construction Workers

Within London, Benn is most associated with areas classed as Skilled Trades and Construction Workers, part of The Greater London Mix. This gives the surname a London-specific profile rather than forcing the capital into the same pattern as the rest of the country.

Read profile summary

Group profile

These scattered, peripheral and often low residential density neighbourhoods house more workers in skilled trades and construction. Few households rent social housing and there are few students. Multiple car ownership is higher than the Supergroup average, perhaps because of poorer public transport connectivity. Incidence of mixed or multiple ethnicity is below the Supergroup average, and the absence of individuals identifying as Pakistani or Other Asian groups is also less pronounced. Flatted accommodation is less dominant than elsewhere in the Supergroup.

Wider London pattern

A Supergroup embodying London's diversity in many respects, apart from low numbers of residents identifying as of Bangladeshi, Indian, Pakistani or Other (non-Chinese) Asian ethnicity. There is lower than average prevalence of families with dependent children, while there are above average occurrences of never-married individuals and single-person households. The age distribution is skewed towards younger, single residents and couples without children, with many individuals identifying as of mixed or multiple ethnicity. Social rented or private rented housing is slightly more prevalent than average, and many residents live in flats. Individuals typically work in professional and associated roles in public administration, education or health rather than in elementary occupations in agriculture, energy, water, construction or manufacturing. Incidence of students is slightly below average. Individuals declaring no religion are more prevalent than average and non-use of English at home is below average.

Healthy neighbourhoods

Access to healthy assets and hazards

Benn is most concentrated in decile 10 for access to healthy assets and hazards. This places the surname towards the healthier end of the index.

Lower deciles point towards weaker access to healthy assets or stronger exposure to local hazards. Higher deciles point towards stronger access and fewer hazards.

10
Lower access Higher access

Neighbourhood deprivation

Index of Multiple Deprivation

Benn falls in decile 5 for neighbourhood deprivation. This puts the surname near the middle of the scale.

Decile 1 represents the more deprived end of the scale. Decile 10 represents the less deprived end.

5
More deprived Less deprived

Broadband speed

Fixed broadband download speed

The modern neighbourhood pattern for Benn is most associated with a typical fixed broadband download band of 30-40 mbit/s.

The scale below places that band in context, from slower local download bands through to faster ones.

6
Slower band Faster band

Area snapshot

Ethnic group estimate

Most common ethnic group estimate
White - British

This describes the area pattern most associated with Benn, not the ethnicity of every person with the surname.

Meaning and origin of Benn

The surname Benn has its origins in England, tracing back to the medieval period. It is believed to be derived from the Old English word "benn," which means "ridge" or "hill." This suggests that the name may have been initially given to someone who lived near a prominent ridge or hilltop.

The earliest recorded instances of the name Benn can be found in various historical documents from the 13th and 14th centuries. For example, the Pipe Rolls of Gloucestershire from 1236 mention a William Benn, while the Calendarium Inquisitionum post Mortem from 1328 lists a John Benne.

In the Domesday Book of 1086, a comprehensive survey of landholdings commissioned by William the Conqueror, there are references to several place names that may have contributed to the formation of the surname Benn. These include Benhall in Suffolk, Benenden in Kent, and Benningworth in Lincolnshire.

The name Benn has had several spelling variations throughout history, such as Benne, Bene, Benne, and Benn. These variations often reflect regional dialects and the evolution of language over time.

One notable person with the surname Benn was Sir Anthony Benn (1925-2014), a British Labour politician and cabinet minister who served in several governments during the 20th century. He was also a prolific writer and diarist, known for his left-wing views and advocacy for democratic reform.

Another prominent figure was Gottfried Benn (1886-1956), a German poet and essayist who was associated with the Expressionist movement. His poetry was known for its stark imagery and exploration of themes such as death, decay, and the fragility of human existence.

In the 17th century, there was a notable English clergyman named William Benn (1600-1680) who served as the Bishop of Hereford and was a renowned preacher and writer on theological subjects.

The name Benn has also been associated with several places in England, such as Benn's Green in Sussex and Benn's Hill in Somerset. These place names may have originated from individuals with the surname Benn who lived in or owned land in those areas.

Another historical figure with the surname Benn was John Benn (1572-1625), an English clergyman and author who wrote extensively on religious topics. His work, "A Romish Horseleech" (1624), was a critique of the Catholic Church and its practices.

While the surname Benn has undergone various changes in spelling and pronunciation over the centuries, it has remained a distinct and recognizable name in many parts of England and beyond, reflecting the rich tapestry of history and cultural influences that have shaped its evolution.

Sourced from namecensus.com.

1881 census detail

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Benn families in the 1881 census

These tables use 1881 census entries for people recorded with the Benn surname. Use the location tables for concentration, then the name and occupation tables for the people behind the surname.

Top counties

Total is the county count. Frequency and index adjust for local population size, so they are better concentration signals. Yorkshire leads with 756 Benns recorded in 1881 and an index of 4.58x.

County Total Index
Yorkshire 756 4.58x
Middlesex 259 1.56x
Cumberland 144 10.05x
Lancashire 128 0.65x
Surrey 40 0.49x
Warwickshire 39 0.93x
Staffordshire 38 0.68x
Kent 34 0.60x
Durham 30 0.61x
Norfolk 29 1.13x
Leicestershire 25 1.35x
Cheshire 24 0.65x
Sussex 20 0.71x
Lanarkshire 19 0.35x
Gloucestershire 13 0.40x
Hampshire 13 0.38x
Essex 12 0.37x
Berkshire 11 0.88x
Lincolnshire 9 0.34x
Northumberland 9 0.36x
Derbyshire 7 0.27x
Nottinghamshire 7 0.31x
Argyllshire 6 1.30x
Pembrokeshire 5 0.95x
Westmorland 5 1.37x
Hertfordshire 4 0.35x
Northamptonshire 4 0.26x
Cornwall 2 0.11x
Devon 2 0.06x
Fife 2 0.20x
Perthshire 2 0.27x
Angus 1 0.06x
Ayrshire 1 0.08x
Dorset 1 0.09x
Herefordshire 1 0.15x
Monmouthshire 1 0.08x
Oxfordshire 1 0.10x
Shropshire 1 0.07x
Suffolk 1 0.05x

Top districts and towns

Districts give a more local view than counties. Total shows raw records, while frequency and index show local concentration. North Bierley in Yorkshire leads with 101 Benns recorded in 1881 and an index of 113.43x.

Place Total Index
North Bierley 101 113.43x
Leeds 92 9.88x
Northowram 46 39.78x
Clayton 36 89.20x
Nether Hallam 27 12.10x
Manningham 26 12.80x
Hunslet 25 9.72x
Gosforth 24 343.84x
Haile 23 1377.25x
Holbeck 22 20.14x
Horton In Bradford 22 8.54x
Halifax 21 8.67x
Hayes 20 117.79x
Liverpool 20 1.67x
Everton 19 3.02x
Bowling 18 11.02x
Kensington London 18 1.95x
Shelf 18 114.29x
Sheffield 16 3.05x
Wortley In Bramley 15 11.48x
Broadwater 14 21.75x
Gildersome 14 70.64x
Mile End Old Town London 14 3.95x
Thornton In Bradford 14 25.50x
Brightside Bierlow 13 4.02x
Ecclesall Bierlow 13 3.88x
Hampton London 13 47.51x
Islington London 13 0.81x
Lewisham 13 4.29x
Tong 13 40.80x
Barrow In Furness 12 4.47x
Bristol St Philip Jacob 12 3.91x
Churwell 12 106.67x
Morley 12 14.00x
Bradford 11 2.76x
Ealing 11 7.40x
Gorton 11 5.93x
Hornsey 11 5.23x
Potter Newton 11 37.81x
St Marylebone London 11 1.24x
Tranmere 11 8.15x
Allerton 10 47.57x
Cleckheaton 10 16.46x
Crosscanonby 10 21.11x
Hackney London 10 1.07x
Huddersfield 10 4.16x
Mancetter 10 82.85x
Millom 10 22.77x
Rotherham 10 10.76x
Scarborough 10 6.67x
Southowram 10 19.86x
Wednesbury 10 7.12x
West Bromwich 10 3.11x
Bethnal Green London 9 1.24x
Chelsea London 9 1.79x
Irton With Santon 9 253.52x
Alverstoke 8 6.48x
Aston 8 0.69x
Attercliffe Cum Darnall 8 5.21x
Cannock 8 8.16x
Carleton In Pontefract 8 418.85x
Egham 8 16.07x
Egremont 8 23.42x
Idle 8 10.46x
Keswick 8 43.69x
Liscard 8 12.09x
Norwich St John Sepulchre 8 48.16x
Sedgeford 8 184.76x
St George In East London 8 5.11x
Walton On Hill 8 7.48x
Whitechapel London 8 4.88x
Willesden 8 5.10x
Bulkington 7 77.18x
Hensingham 7 59.78x
Longbenton 7 6.67x
Market Bosworth 7 105.11x
Preston Quarter 7 17.43x
St Pancras London 7 0.52x
Stranton 7 4.20x
West Ham 7 0.97x

Top female names

These are the female first names most often recorded with the Benn surname in 1881. Names are not merged, so initials, variant spellings and transcription quirks can appear as separate rows.

Name Count
Mary 89
Sarah 82
Elizabeth 54
Hannah 41
Ann 30
Jane 30
Alice 28
Martha 25
Emily 22
Annie 21
Ada 17
Clara 17
Eliza 17
Emma 17
Ellen 16
Harriet 15
Florence 12
Margaret 12
Louisa 10
Maria 10
Fanny 9
Susannah 9
Edith 8
Ruth 8
Catherine 7
Esther 7
Agnes 6
Charlotte 6
Eleanor 6
Isabella 6
Lucy 6
Rose 6
Caroline 5
Minnie 5
Susan 5
Amelia 4
Beatrice 4
Betsy 4
Harriett 4
Helen 4
Sophia 4
Anne 3
Eliz. 3
Elizth. 3
Julia 3
Kate 3
Lilly 3
Nancy 3
Rebecca 3
Rhoda 3

Top male names

These are the male first names most often recorded with the Benn surname in 1881. Names are not merged, so initials, variant spellings and transcription quirks can appear as separate rows.

Name Count
John 109
William 87
George 47
Joseph 46
James 44
Arthur 36
Henry 31
Thomas 29
Charles 27
Edward 23
Samuel 17
Walter 17
Albert 14
Harry 14
Frederick 13
Herbert 13
Robert 13
Alfred 11
Edwin 11
Benjamin 10
Isaac 8
Richard 8
Abraham 7
Ernest 7
Frank 7
Joshua 6
Amos 5
Fred 5
Mark 5
Wm. 5
Joe 4
Sam 4
Anthony 3
David 3
Eli 3
Fredk. 3
Hugh 3
Willie 3
Abel 2
Alf. 2
Craven 2
Fredrick 2
Jesse 2
Jonas 2
Jonathan 2
Major 2
Sam. 2
Squire 2
Thos. 2
Tom 2

FAQ

Benn surname: questions and answers

How common was the Benn surname in 1881?

In 1881, 1,710 people were recorded with the Benn surname. That placed it at #2,519 in the surname rankings for that year.

How common is the Benn surname today?

The latest modern count shown here is 2,621 in 2016. That gives Benn a modern rank of #2,543.

What does the Benn surname mean?

A surname of English origin, derived from the medieval given name Bennet, meaning "blessed."

What does the Benn map show?

The map shows local surname concentration for the selected year. Darker areas have a stronger concentration of Benn bearers relative to the surrounding population.

What records is this surname page based on?

The historical counts come from census surname records. The modern counts and neighbourhood summaries come from later surname distribution records. Counts are recorded bearers in those records, not a live estimate of everyone with the name today.